“Whatever happens in my future, I can credit the SFU Communications Department for giving me the tools to be successful. The opportunities I’ve received are a direct result of the relationships I have built with my professors at Saint Francis.”
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Luke Hetrick, ‘14 Communications Major
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Communications students at Saint Francis have exclusive access to the department’s state-of-the-art media lab. Students pursuing degrees in the Communications program’s Digital Media or Strategic Communications majors have access to this lab 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Starting as an intern, Luke became a co-host of Sports Central, a regional weekday sports-talk program on ESPN Radio. The program covers the college and professional sports scenes in central Pennsylvania. Luke also worked as an intern at WJAC-TV, an NBC affiliate in Johnstown, Pa., and served as sports editor of Saint Francis’ student newspaper, the Troubadour.
Communications in the School of Arts & Letters
About Communications.
Students Reaching Higher
What to Expect.
Internships
We offer a wide range of courses that provide our students with the practical knowledge and skills they need to be successful in today’s media world. Communications is constantly changing. We embrace this change by integrating websites, blogs, social media and state-of-the-art technology into our program. Students who graduate from our Digital Media and Strategic Communications majors are prepared for the diverse landscape of today’s professional world. In addition to practical skills, our students are also introduced to the theoretical elements of mass communications and develop a strong understanding of the ethical principles of the discipline – principles that endure in a world where the methods of delivering information are undergoing unprecedented change. A focus on ethics, as it relates to media and society, is integrated into all of our Communications courses. Our flexible curriculum allows students to choose courses that help them meet their individual goals. This model accommodates students’ specific interests, aptitudes and career goals. Each student works closely with his or her faculty adviser to map an individualized program of study. Hands-on opportunities abound. Students are strongly encouraged to apply their talents and classroom learning by working as print and photojournalists, page designers and editors with our student newspaper, the Troubadour, or as members of the staff at our campus web/radio station, Red Radio. Other on-campus experiential learning opportunities are also available. All Communications students complete an on-campus “practicum” experience and at least one off-campus internship.
Career Prospects.
Our alumni have launched their own businesses, written for world-class newspapers and magazines, worked for major television and radio networks, and found success at highly regarded advertising and public relations firms. Graduates of the Saint Francis Communications program are prepared for careers in print journalism, photojournalism, public relations, graphic design, social media, television, internet, radio, marketing, advertising, video editing, broadcasting, event planning, web streaming and desktop and web publishing.
Program Flash Facts.
• Students complete a core of Communications classes as well as academic coursework specific to their Digital Media or Strategic Communications majors • Interactive student/instructor relationships with highly qualified faculty who possess diverse practical experiences • A state-of-the-art media lab for print and photo/video editing and design • A state-of-the-art television studio for video productions • Opportunities to join professional organizations and present at regional and national conferences • Rigorous professional preparation
Classes that Count... Social Media Strategies introduces you to the strategic use of digital and social media platforms within the communications industry. This convergence course requires students to utilize various social media techniques to interact with audiences in the journalism and public relations fields.
Veronica Orr, ‘14 Veronica (left) completed an internship at the Altoona Mirror that led to a paid position with the newspaper. Veronica also served as layout editor of Saint Francis’ student newspaper, the Troubadour.
ESPN Radio Talk Show Co-Host National Public Radio Public Relations Assistant White House Public Relations Assistant WTAJ-TV Program Editor
Graduate Schools
American University Broadcasting & Public Policy Cornell University Advertising Sacred Heart University Sports Communication/Media
Careers
American Junior Golf Association Manager of Media Relations Crons Sports Apparel VP of Brand Development LaTorre Communications Founder of PR firm Newsday Advertising Assistant Visit Pittsburgh Executive Director of Tourism Wall Street Journal Bureau Chief
Sports Reporting familiarizes you with the fundamentals of sports journalism and athletic media relations. Students develop the skills and abilities to write multiple types of sports stories. They are also instructed in sports broadcasting and try their hand at this niche of the industry.
Want to learn more? kfrancis.edu/communications Read more. Find out more on YouTube! Search “Saint Francis Communications”
Your Future.
Multiplatform Storytelling gives you the opportunity to develop communications messages across diverse media platforms. Students sharpen their writing and production skills in multiple media environments.
To ensure that its graduates are entering the job market with the skills required to gain employment in today’s media industry, the Communications Department solicits regular advice from an advisory council of SFU graduates who have enjoyed success within their chosen media fields.